After a second incident of gunfire at a Jewish girls’ school in Toronto, students are returning to their classrooms with a message of resilience and hope. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, marks the second time in less than a week that the school has been targeted.
According to Toronto police, the incident took place at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday, when a bullet was fired into the building of the Bais Yaakov Elementary School. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident.
This is not the first time that the school has been targeted. Just last week, on November 24th, a similar incident occurred when a bullet was fired into the school’s window. The school’s principal, Rabbi Yisroel Friedman, stated that the school has been receiving threats for the past few months, but this is the first time that an actual shooting has taken place.
Despite the fear and uncertainty caused by these incidents, the students and staff of Bais Yaakov Elementary School are determined to continue their education and not let these acts of violence deter them. In a statement released by the school, they expressed their gratitude for the support and solidarity shown by the community and law enforcement.
Toronto Mayor John Tory also condemned the shooting, stating that “there is no place for hate or violence in our city.” He reassured the community that the Toronto Police Service is taking the matter seriously and working diligently to find those responsible.
The Jewish community in Toronto has also come together to show their support for the school and its students. A vigil was held on Tuesday evening, where community members gathered to pray for the safety and well-being of the students and to denounce the act of violence.
In the face of these disturbing incidents, it is heartening to see the resilience and determination of the students and staff at Bais Yaakov Elementary School. As they return to their classrooms, they are sending a powerful message that light will prevail over darkness and hate.
The Toronto Police Service is continuing their investigation and is asking anyone with information to come forward. In the meantime, the school has implemented additional security measures to ensure the safety of its students and staff. The community is also encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
As the city of Toronto stands in solidarity with the Bais Yaakov Elementary School community, we must all remember that acts of hate and violence have no place in our society. Together, we can overcome these challenges and create a safer and more inclusive community for all.
